The Enduring Legacy of Peruna: A Mascot Story of Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in University Park, Texas, boasts a rich athletic history. Among its many traditions, one stands out: the story of Peruna, the black Shetland pony that embodies the Mustang spirit. This article explores the fascinating history of SMU's mascot, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved symbol of the university.

The Genesis of a Mascot: From "Parsons" to Mustangs

Before the iconic Peruna, SMU's athletic teams were unofficially known as the "Parsons," a nod to the large number of theology students on the team. However, after SMU's women's basketball team secured a state championship, the need for an official mascot became apparent. In 1917, after considering options like Bulls, Rams, Comanches, and Rattlers, the student body chose "Mustangs" as the official mascot. Dorothy Amann, President Hyer's secretary, suggested the name, inspired by the sight of the team practicing on the football field, resembling "a bunch of wild Mustangs!".

The Emergence of Peruna: A Tonic for School Spirit

The name "Peruna" first appeared in the fall of 1915 when SMU student George Sexton adapted the lyrics of "Coming 'Round the Mountain," substituting them with "She'll be loaded with Peruna when she comes…" Peruna was a popular patent medicine in Texas. In the early 20th century, Peruna tonic was a patent medicine containing about 18 percent alcohol, which served as an alcoholic spirit disguised as a medicine during the Prohibition era. Given its "kick," the name was fittingly applied to SMU's first live mascot.

The First Peruna: A Shetland Pony Steals the Show

In 1932, SMU introduced its first live mascot: a black Shetland pony. Cy Barcus, then director of the Mustang Band and a 1929 graduate of Perkins School of Theology, played a pivotal role in this decision. He saw the pony one day while he was out on a picnic and thought it would make a good mascot for SMU, so he had a student bring it to a pep rally. T.E. Jones, owner of Arlington Downs racetrack, donated the 28-inch, 150-pound pony. Barcus volunteered the name Peruna, already the name of the school Fight Song. On November 4, 1932, Peruna I made his first appearance at a pep rally.

A Tragic Loss and the Culwell Legacy

Tragedy struck on Halloween in 1934 when Peruna I escaped his on-campus living quarters and was fatally struck by an automobile on Mockingbird Lane. The student body mourned the loss, holding a procession from the flagpole to the burial site near Ownby Stadium, led by the Mustang Band playing "Peruna" as a dirge. Fordham University, represented by the football team captain and the campus newspaper editor, sent condolences via telegram.

Read also: Space Weather & UCLA

Following the death of Peruna I, W.E. Culwell, owner of Culwell & Sons, began a tradition of providing SMU's mascot. The Culwell family has donated and cared for Peruna II-Peruna IX. Culwell's son, C.W. "Cully" Culwell, explained that his father "would go to every game and serve barbecue to the players after the game; he really loved the school…Dad donated a Shetland pony because they have a greater longevity than a Quarter Horse.” Until 1993, the mascot lived on the 500-acre Culwell Ranch in Grapevine. The family's dedication has ensured the continuation of the Peruna tradition.

The Perunas Through the Years: A Lineage of Spirit

Since 1932, nine Perunas have represented SMU, each with their own unique personality and story. The selection of Shetland ponies over larger quarter horses was strategic, as Shetland ponies tend to live longer. While most prefer all-black stallions for their alleged vitality, two mares have also served as mascots.

Peruna II: A black Shetland pony raised at the Culwell Ranch and the first of two mares to serve as mascot. The mare had a white diamond on her forehead that was dyed black to protect the image.
Peruna III: During Peruna III's reign, the Culwells purchased Peruna his own special red and blue trailer.
Peruna IV: The second mare, led the Mustangs to two consecutive Southwest Conference championships.
Peruna V: Gained a reputation of arrogance. His lively prancing, rearing and biting were good examples of SMU’s fighting spirit.
Peruna VI: Served for 21 years until a liver ailment forced him out of action. After death, Peruna VI was buried at Ownby Stadium at a secret night service.
Peruna VII: At the beginning of his reign, Cully Culwell said, “We would have like to have run Peruna VII a year earlier, but he proved to be a tough horse to break…..He’s still a little skittish at times, but he’s full of fight!”
Peruna VIII: Made his mark by dragging and tripping several of the Peruna Handlers. He began his service on the field at the Cotton Bowl and was the first mascot to initiate the playing field at the new Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
Peruna IX: Peruna IX was found by the Culwells mere days before he was scheduled for castration and was spared in order to become SMU's next stallion mascot.

Peruna Today: Tradition and Spirit

The tradition of Peruna continues to thrive at SMU. Peruna is present at every SMU home football game, spanning four stadiums. The mascot team consists of a costumed Human Peruna, the live animal Peruna, and Peruna handlers. Peruna only attends a small number of events besides football games, said Shnider. Peruna handlers know where Peruna is housed, which is confidential information.

Peruna Handler Jonathan Dobin said of the job, “I love it. It’s actually a lot of fun. I talk to him like an actual person." Peruna Handler Shnider said of Peruna’s spirit, “I just want to remind everybody that it’s a pony, but it’s still 500 pounds of muscle.

Peruna Plaza, located at the south end of Gerald J. Ford Stadium, serves as a memorial to late Perunas and contains the remains of at least a couple. A statue sculpted by Michael G. Owen Jr. stands as a tribute to the beloved mascot. During football games, Peruna waits behind the Mustangs' end zone to watch his team drive to score.

Read also: Affording SNHU

Memorable Moments and Legendary Tales

Peruna's history is filled with memorable moments and legendary tales. SMU legend has it that Peruna killed the mascot of the Fordham Rams after the Fordham handlers led Ramses the Ram too close to the Mustang, killing it instantly with a kick to the head. Other notable incidents include Peruna sending the University of Texas Longhorn Bevo to the ground with a kick in the side and defecating at midfield during a TCU - SMU game, the week that TCU unveiled the school's brand new Field Turf.

More Than a Mascot: A Symbol of SMU

Peruna is more than just a mascot; he is a symbol of SMU's spirit, tradition, and history. The black pony embodies the soul of SMU, galloping across the football field and leading the team with unwavering loyalty. The "Pony Ears" hand sign, the "Pony Up" cheer, and the Mustang Band formation all contribute to the unique culture surrounding Peruna and the Mustangs.

SMU Athletics: A Legacy of Achievement

Beyond the mascot, SMU boasts a strong athletic program with a history of success across various sports.

Football: The SMU Mustangs have a rich football history, including a national championship in 1935.
Men's Basketball: The Mustangs have one Final Four Appearance accompanied by 14 Southwest Conference Championships.
Men's Soccer: The SMU men's soccer program was ranked No. 1 in the nation for four consecutive weeks during the 2006 season.
Men's Golf: The men's golf team won the 1954 NCAA Championship.
Swimming and Diving: The men's and women's teams have acquired 57 conference titles combined, and have a total of 91 NCAA National Championship appearances.
Women's Rowing: The SMU women's rowing team achieved a program-best fourth-place finish at the 2018 American Athletic Conference championship.
Track and Field: SMU has competed in track and field since 1918 and has won three national championships.

tags: #Southern #Methodist #University #mascot #history